Cougar Microbes Selects POp

Cougar Microbes Selects: Pop March 2023

A selection of new and/or relevant rock and indie-leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us

Haley Fishberger – Seltzer

Hailing from Miami and now based in Los Angeles, Haley Fishberger is one to keep an eye on in the coming years. Formerly known as Ha1ey, she first caught our attention with her electrifying single “Seltzer“. This bold pop number offers a fresh perspective on the genre with its unapologetic lyrics, soulful vocals, and explosive beat. The fusion of modern synths and orchestral elements creates a captivating musical experience that will leave you wanting more.

As a one-woman show, handling production and mixing duties amongst her many skills, Fishberger is breaking barriers and paving the way for women in an industry that is notoriously male-dominated. “Seltzer” is a high-energy anthem that encourages listeners to take up space and embrace their full potential. Who doesn’t want to feel empowered and entertained at the same time?

Since her move to LA, Fishberger has fully immersed herself in the pop scene. In a slight change from the usual “CM Selects” format, we are glad to share an additional track in the form of her latest release “Home (305)”. The track further shows Fishberger‘s undeniable talent and impressive vocal range.

With her refreshing take on pop music and her undeniable talent, Haley Fishberger has easily won us over.


Kali Uchis – “I Wish You Roses

Kali Uchis‘ latest single “I Wish You Roses” is a testament to her talent as a singer-songwriter. The song features Uchis‘ mesmerizing signature vocals and her ability to craft a beautifully melancholic track that feels both familiar and unique. Produced by Dylan Wiggins and Josh Crocker, the lush production further amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics. The accompanying video, shot in South Korea, features stunning floral imagery that perfectly captures the essence of the song. As Uchis herself puts it, the song is about celebrating releasing people from one’s life without holding on to resentment or bitterness.


Arlo Parks – “Weightless

Arlo Parks‘ “Weightless” is a beautifully crafted song that showcases her unique and relatable lyricism. The track is the lead single from Parks’ forthcoming album “My Soft Machine“, which she describes as a deeply personal body of work that explores her experiences navigating life in her 20s. With a more energetic beat and heavy-synth production than some of her previous work, “Weightless” marks a new direction for Parks. Yet, her lyrics remain the same, providing listeners with a fresh and authentic take on heartbreak and the journey to self-discovery.


Jessie Ware – “Pearls”

If you’re looking for a track to get your heart racing, Jessie Ware has your back with “Pearls“. The upbeat and infectious song is the latest release from her upcoming album, That! Feels! Good!, due out on April 28. The song features Ware‘s stunning vocals and a disco-infused beat that’s impossible not to dance to. It’s inspired by some of the greatest divas of all time, including Donna Summer and Chaka Khan, and is a tribute to Ware‘s many talents as an artist and sets the stage for a thrilling album.


Lana Del Rey – “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd”

Lana Del Rey‘s “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd“, the title track from her imminent album, features a stunning orchestral arrangement, rich vocal layering, and a grandiose build-up. The songwriting style shifts from her early work to include small incidental moments and unrestrictive confessional lyrics shows an artist maturing in the public eye. Lana‘s allusions to Americana and the tunnel metaphor add a melancholic touch to the song. This feels like an outstanding moment in her career that showcases Lana Del Rey‘s ability to blend nostalgia, introspection, and poeticism into something that sounds entirely hers.